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T E A M R I V E R

@teamriver___

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Diagnosed With T-CELL ALL - 01.04.22
Transplant Received - 01.09.22
IN REMISSION - 01.12.22 🙏🏽
#TEAMRIVER 🎗

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T R A N S P L A N T D A Y 🩸

Proud of these two is an understatement. 🥰

Both Reid and River were so brave and did so well!!!

We are now Day 4 post transplant.
Both boys are doing great.

We will know how River is traveling with regards to his body accepting the transplant on Day 30 when he will undergo a bone marrow aspirate. 🙏🏽

www.teamriver.com.au

TEAMRIVER 🎗
#leukemia #cancerkids #theroyalchildrenshospital #leukemiasucks #leukemiaawareness #fcukcancer #kickingcancersbutt #RCH #challenge #redkite taken in The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne by @teamriver___

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4 years ago

I N T E R N A T I O N A L C H I L D H O O D C A N C E R D A Y 🎗️

Today, on International Childhood Cancer Day, we raise our voices for every child facing the battle of their lives. 💛

These young warriors show incredible strength, and we stand with them, their families, and all those fighting for a cure.

Childhood cancer affects far too many, but together, we can spread awareness, support research, and work toward a future where every child is free from this devastating disease.

Let’s unite and amplify the message that no child should fight alone. 💪

www.teamriver.com.au

TEAMRIVER 🎗
#leukemia #cancerkids #theroyalchildrenshospital #leukemiasucks #leukemiaawareness #InternationalChildhoodCancerDay #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #FightForACure by @teamriver___

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2 years ago

For Candice’s youngest son, River, his life was saved thanks to his older brother, Reid.

🗣️ “In 2022, at just two and a half years old, River was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

“He wasn’t responding to treatment, and his only chance at survival was a stem cell transplant.

“Miraculously, Reid was a perfect match, and River received his brother’s stem cells.

“But we needed to rely on my family, friends and community to financially survive cancer treatment.”

🩸 1 in 8 blood cancer patients in Australia are missing, delaying, or cancelling treatment because they can’t afford it.

📝 Help cut the cost of cancer by signing our petition at cutcancercost.org.au and call on governments to provide better financial support for Australians impacted by cancer.

#cancercommunity #cancersupport #cancercare #cancerawareness #childhoodcancer by @teamriver___

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a month ago

🩸 1 in 8 blood cancer patients in Australia are missing, delaying, or canceling treatment because they can’t afford it.

And our research shows the impact goes well beyond household budgets.

Money worries negatively affect the health and recovery of 44% of the 170,000+ Australians living with blood cancer.

📝 Help cut the cost of cancer by signing our petition at cutcancercost.org.au and call on governments to provide better financial support for Australians impacted by cancer.

If you or someone you love is impacted by blood cancer, we’re always here to help 💙

📞 Call 1800 620 420 or visit our website for specialised and expert support.

#cancercommunity #cancersupport #cancercare #cancerawareness #bloodcancer taken in Australia by @teamriver___

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2 months ago

Ride Park Birthday Celebrations 🏍️ taken in Ride Park by @teamriver___

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3 months ago

R I V T U R N S 7 ✨
Happiest of birthdays to my littlest babe.
You are the sweetest, cutest, grumpiest, funniest, stubbornest little/old soul.
I love watching you grow.
Proud of you always.
Love you 🫶🏼 by @teamriver___

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3 months ago

Days like this ☀️ taken in Ride Park by @teamriver___

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3 months ago

Tonight I graduated from the Lead from Lived Experience: Enhancing Cancer Care leadership program, part of the Cancer Consumer-led Research Partnership.

I was selected to participate in this leadership program for people with lived experience across the cancer care system, where we engaged in workshops, peer exchange, placement and mentoring to build leadership, advocacy and system-influence capability.

A few years ago I was a mum sitting beside my son’s hospital bed praying we would make it through the hardest chapter of our lives. At the same time, life was testing me in so many other ways and some days survival was enough.

Tonight I stand as a lived experience leader helping bring the voices of families into research and healthcare design so that what families go through is not just seen, but helps shape change.

I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.
I once prayed just to get through the hard days. Now I’m using that experience to help change things.

For River.
For families walking this path.
For purpose. 🤍

TEAMRIVER 🎗
#leukemia #cancerkids #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #FightForACure by @teamriver___

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7 months ago

“We raced him back to Ballarat (hospital). He was close to cardiac arrest...”

🎙️ In the latest episode of our Talking Blood Cancer podcast, we hear from Candice Forward, mum of three, whose youngest son, River, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

“All in a matter of a few hours, we went from thinking our son had gastro to being told our son is critical and has cancer. It was horrific.”

Candice shares the early signs of River’s illness, the intensive nine-month treatment period - during which River spent most of his time in hospital - and the impact it had on their family.

She also discusses River’s stem cell transplant with his older brother, Reid, as the donor, and how a psychologist helped her process trauma and communicate with her children.

#podcast #childhoodcancer #bloodcancer #stemcelltransplant #cancerpatient taken in Ballarat, Victoria by @teamriver___

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8 months ago

A stem cell transplant is a second chance at life. For Candice’s youngest son, River, his life was saved thanks to his older brother, Reid.

🗣️ “At just two and a half years old, River was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in 2022.

“8 weeks into treatment, he wasn’t responding to treatment, and his only chance at survival was a stem cell transplant. Miraculously, Reid was a perfect match, and River received his brother’s stem cells.

“Today, River is in remission, started grade Prep, plays basketball and Auskick, and is healthy, happy, and thriving!”

The Leukaemia Foundation’s unique wraparound health services support Australian families through the emotional, physical and financial challenges of blood cancer.

We couldn’t do this life-changing work without you, our incredible community! 💙

#shavedhead #cancerpatient #bloodcancer by @teamriver___

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9 months ago

New year, new life 💙

For many recipients, a stem cell transplant is a second chance at life.

For Candice’s youngest son, River, his life was saved thanks to his older brother, Reid.

🗣️ “In 2022, at just two and a half years old, River was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic #leukaemia (ALL).

“Eight weeks into treatment, he wasn’t responding to treatment, and his only chance at survival was a #stemcelltransplant. Miraculously, Reid was a perfect match, and River received his brother’s stem cells.

“Today, River is in #remission, started grade Prep, plays basketball and Auskick, and is healthy, happy, and thriving!” taken in Australia by @teamriver___

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10 months ago

"There was a time when we weren't sure what River's future looked like, let alone thinking about him starting school. There were moments in the hospital when I dreamt of watching my children play outside, their feet in the grass, laughing."

Today, those moments are Candice's reality. River is at home, enjoying primary school and time with his friends and siblings.

But Candice hasn’t forgotten the parents sitting in those hospital chairs right now, carrying fears no one can see, holding onto their own hopes.

Now, through Children’s Cancer CoLab, Candice is helping shape research and care in ways that reflect what families truly need. Because hope shouldn’t come with a bill you can’t afford. And no family should have to face the hardest days of their lives without mental health care and practical support.

Families shouldn't just survive the system.
The system should support families.

Read River and Candice's full story at newslink in our bio or on our website - tinyurl.com/River-Candice-Story

@childrenscancerfoundationau @rchmelbourne @murdoch_childrens @vcccalliance

#CCCoLab #ChildrensCancerCoLab #CollaborativeResearch #MedicalResearch #CancerResearch #ChildhoodCancer #ChildrensCancer #ChildrensCancerAwareness #PaediatricOncology #CancerSurvivor #Leukaemia by @teamriver___

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10 months ago